Explore Superior Mayoral Campaign Questionnaire
This morning we begin our six part series of questions to the five mayoral candidates. Explore Superior posed six questions to the candidates. We are happy to report that all five candidates have chosen to participate, and we will post their answers to the first question in this post. Their remaining answers will be posted in five upcoming articles that will conclude the night before the election.
The answers in this article are in alphabetical order by last name, beginning with Bruce Hagen, then Kaylee Hermanson, Mike Herrick, Greg Mertzig, and Jim Paine. In succeeding posts we will rotate the order with each question, (e.g., the next article will begin with Ms. Hermanson’s response, and finish with Mayor Hagen’s answer.)
Question #1
Why are you the best candidate for Mayor of Superior?
Bruce Hagen
Mayor Bruce Hagen
“Experience counts! Successful experience counts even more. My career experiences span decades in the private and public arenas all at very senior leadership positions. In that, my passion has always centered around local government.”
“To offer some examples of leadership as your current Mayor, consider the following.”
“When I took office in 2011 the unemployment rate was hovering around 10%. Today it is below 4%. This is the lowest in over seventy years. The tax rate is 2% lower than when I took office with a general fund budget that has not fluctuated. The last time the tax rate was reduced was during my previous terms as your Mayor with the last nine of twelve years tax rate frozen or reduced.”
“Economic development is JOBS. Good paying JOBS. We have witnessed more growth in the past four years than during the past fifteen or more years. Manufacturing jobs, technical jobs, construction jobs, retail and commercial jobs. All family wage earning jobs. Much of my background is in economic development. I know what it takes to bring and retain jobs in a community.”
“Not to be minimized, my experiences in local, state and federal government have offered insight and knowledge as to how all of them function, operate and the relationship building of trust and partnerships that benefit our community. No other candidate has, or can point to, or provide the depth, experience or results of local government leadership success.”
Kalee Hermanson
Kalee Hermanson
“First and foremost, It must be known that I am not a Politician. I am a community member, a leader, and a young professional striving to make a difference for our Community.”
“I am passionate, high-spirited, and willing to fight the status quo. I was taught to think outside of the box, and believe there is more than one solution to our issues. I believe it is important to have a leader that is working for the citizens of Superior, a Leader that is dedicated to building a family-friendly Superior. As Mayor, I am determined to make a difference for our community.”
“We deserve a Mayor that puts politics aside, and makes the people a top priority, and I am committed to doing just that. I am involved in many different community boards such as the United Way of Superior – Douglas County, Junior Achievement of the Twin Ports, Twin Ports Sustainability, City Planning Commission and I am the Vice President of Education for Harborview Toastmasters.”
“I believe my involvement in this wide variety of organizations speaks volumes for the person I am. I look forward to working with our community and bringing it to the Family-Oriented City that we need.”
Mike Herrick
Mike Herrick
“My six years on the city Council and serving on numerous committees has given me a great background in city government. I have the desire and energy and can bring a fresh approach to keep Superior moving forward.”
“We are heading in the right direction, but we have a lot of work to do. I’m approachable and I will listen to citizens concerns to an issue that they may have. Team work is important. I can work with all the city departments, the City Council, BID, Chamber, Business Development Association, and local businesses to achieve the goals of the community.”
“Some of these goals include economic development, infrastructure improvements and citizens safety. I’m ready to role up my sleeves and take on the challenges that are ahead.”
Greg Mertzig
Greg Mertzig
“Who I am and what I stand for comes from my parents.”
“My Dad, an educator and principal taught me how to motivate, and communicate effectively with all people.”
“My Mom, also an educator, taught me empathy.”
“My life experience, training, and formal education also shaped who I am and what I stand for.”
“As a veteran of both Iraq and Afghanistan I developed leadership skills that were tested under pressure.”
“My service on the Superior City Council prepared me for the intricacies of local government and my formal education taught me how to critically evaluate evidence and how to find answers.”
“As Mayor I will use every asset I possess. I will surround myself with capable, motivated professionals that share my philosophy and together we will move Superior forward.”
Jim Paine
Jim Paine
“I combine experience and knowledge with a new, modern, progressive vision for our City.”
“I bring five years of local government experience through my service on the Douglas County Board where we have successfully navigated many of the same challenges that the City of Superior faces. As Vice-Chairman of the Administration Committee, I understand good budgets and management. As a member of the Duluth/Superior Metropolitan Interstate Council, I have helped develop transportation and infrastructure planning for our entire region. Through my service on the Health and Human Services Board, I have promoted a safe, stable and healthy community. And I have served our first and finest citizens on the Veteran’s Commission.”
“In addition to my experience in local government, I have a deep connection to my community that I have demonstrated throughout my entire adult life. I proudly served my Country in the United States Marine Corps. My wife, Katie, and I are committed members and volunteers of Cathedral of Christ the King Church. I have served on the Young Leader’s Fund Board. I am a member of the Superior Young Professionals. I am a regular player at the Douglas County Historical Society’s “History Theater”. I serve people in poverty in our community as a member of the local chapter of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and I am a member of Superior Rotary (Club 40). I attend Superior Days nearly every year and have served as a Lobby Leader and volunteer for the past several years.”
“I received an advanced education locally that prepared me to serve my community. I have a Bachelor’s degree in History from UW-Superior and a Master’s from UMD in Advocacy and Political Leadership. I am also a graduate of the Superior/Douglas County Leadership Program.”
“Our city is growing and changing quickly and we need a Mayor with experience, education, vision and an uncompromising work ethic to successfully lead our City into the future and lay the groundwork for the next century. I have demonstrated, through my years of service, that I have the energy, knowledge, skill and experience to lead our City into a future we can be proud of.”
Next Question:
What are the three biggest economic issues facing the city today?
The candidates’ answers to this question will be posted this afternoon at 2 p.m.
